About Sophora tetraptera J.S.Muell.
Sophora tetraptera J.S.Muell. grows as a tree reaching up to 15 metres in height. Its leaves measure 100–220 mm long, and its individual leaflets measure 15–40 mm long. Compared to leaflets on other kōwhai, the leaflets of this species are larger and more widely spaced. Its yellow flowers bloom from October to December, and can start blooming as early as September. This species occurs naturally in the east of New Zealand's North Island, ranging from East Cape south to the Wairarapa, and west toward Taihape and Lake Taupō, down the Waikato River to approximately Lake Karapiro. It most commonly grows in forest and scrub in coastal areas, and lowland areas next to rivers and lakes. It can also grow along rivers in mountain ranges. Sophora tetraptera is one of three known native New Zealand species that act as hosts for the native longhorn beetle Coptomma variegatum.
